Happy Holidays.   I have planned a skiing trip over the holidays.  I can't remember if I sent you an update after I had my three-month check-up with my doctor, Interventional Radiologist (IR).  My fibroid has decreased in size by about half and my doctor (IR) said that it could continue to shrink but not as much as it had in the past.  

Right after the procedure my periods were kind of wacky.  I never knew when they would start or if they would start at all.  Now I'm getting them every month and can tell almost to the day when they will start...was able to do that before the procedure.  I still have maybe 1 or 2 days where the flow is heavy but nothing like the "flooding" before the procedure. 

I am really glad I found out about you and your website.  It's such a relief to have an alternative to surgery.  – (6 months post UAE - Update from 7/14/03 - United States)

Tuesday, July 14, 2003

I'm doing fine.  I went back to one of my part-time jobs last Monday 7-7.  I'm also pretty much back to my normal exercise routine including running/jogging and working out with weights. I think I've got more energy, even after I'm done exercising.  I have noticed that my fibroid doesn't like me doing all the sit-ups and abdominal exercises that I'm doing; but I just work through the pain (if that's what you want to call it) because I know things will get better.   

I'm just wondering how soon I will notice a change in the size of my largest fibroid just by feeling it.  My doctor (IR) said it could be a long time but I don't really know what that might be. – (2-3 weeks post UAE, update from 6/29/03 - United States)

Sunday, June 29, 2003  

Thought I would let you know how things are going.  My appeal through my employer was approved and the insurance company will now be paying for the procedure.

I feel great!!!   My doctor, Interventional Radiologist, had three UAE procedures scheduled on Wednesday, June 18, 2003, and I was the last...scheduled at 1pm.  Everything went fine and I was in my room by 3pm.  I couldn't believe it was over so quickly...when I asked if he was done with the one side the nurses said that he was almost done with everything.  I haven't had any pain and am still wondering when it will begin (not that I want it to).  The most pain I had during the whole time is whenever I was stuck with a needle.  Even the spinal anesthesia, which I was a little worried about, wasn't that bad.   

On my way home from the hospital I stopped in with my Mother because I knew she would be worried about me.  She could not believe how good I looked and how easily I was getting around without assistance.  Within 40 hours of my procedure I was outside working in my garden!!  Pretty amazing!!!   

I feel so good that I have to keep reminding myself that I don't have to go to work tomorrow. I can't imagine how I would be feeling right now if I had a hysterectomy. – (Update from 5/20/03 - United States) 

Tuesday, May 20, 2003 

I met with my doctor, Interventional Radiologist, on May 20, 2003 and we discussed my case.  He was very thorough and I got a lot of information from him...even went over my MRI pictures with me.  When I told him the problems I was having with my insurance and showed him the letters I received from them, he was quite upset that they were "jerking" me around like this. 

He made copies of all the letters I received from the insurance company and since my next step in the appeal process is to appeal to the company I work for, he asked for the name and phone number.  He said he would have his staff start working with my insurance company.   

I scheduled my UAE for June 18, 2003.  I am really looking forward to June 18th because I haven't felt really great this week and don't expect I'll feel much better next week since my period should start on Monday or Tuesday.  – United States